Distance learning at LSE

It's dirt easy to be admitted into practically any one of the LSE's external programmes. Whilst the administration insists that graduates of the programme are held in the same regard as internal students, industry professionals certainly don't believe likewise -- and that's what really matters. The EP is a cash cow for the LSE, which runs it simply to fund scholarships, subsidise home students, compensate professors, and so on. I'm probably going to take some flak for this, but my opinion is based on informed research and exchanges with existing students both on the internal and external programmes, university staff, and employers.

If you're in London, why don't you apply as a student of the internal 3-year programme? As a home student, you also pay remarkably low fees.

Reply 2

OP

I would have applied as an internal student but that would involve going through UCAS for 2008 entry (unless I could get a place through clearing this year) and I don't meet the entry requirements although they may still consider me anyway. You say the external degree is not looked on as well as those obtained internally but surely getting an excellent class degree externally would put me in a better situation than my current one? Thank you for your input.

Reply 3

Knogle

akmd

I would have applied as an internal student but that would involve going through UCAS for 2008 entry (unless I could get a place through clearing this year) and I don't meet the entry requirements although they may still consider me anyway. You say the external degree is not looked on as well as those obtained internally but surely getting an excellent class degree externally would put me in a better situation than my current one? Thank you for your input.

It's a grey area TBH - something which I can't comfortably and authoritatively comment on. You're right that you'll only be able to apply for '08 entry, but IMO if you could occupy the next 16months or so with meaningful work experience or personal projects, that would comfortably make up for the deferred placement. You certainly won't find L101 in Clearing, so don't pin your hopes on that.

Reply 4

OP

Thank you for the quick reply. Perhaps I should see what the outcome of my current course is and then, if this is not favourable, consider appkying for this external programme and see what happens from there.

Reply 5

2late

13

In order to satisfy the entrance requirements for the BSc Economics, applicants must be at least 17 years of age at the time of registration and must demonstrate that you have reached a level of competence in Mathematics at least equivalent to a pass at GCSE/GCE 'O' Level, at not less than grade C, in a mathematical subject. Applicants should also hold passes in either:
two subjects at GCE 'A' Level + at least three further subjects at GCSE or GCE 'O' Level (at not less than grade C or a 'pass' if taken prior to 1975)

or three subjects at GCE 'A' Level + one further subject at GCSE or GCE 'O' Level (at not less than grade C)

or two subjects at GCE 'A' Level + two further subjects at 'AS' Level.

Compare that and the traditional AAA at A level coupled with 6+ A* at GCSE for an internal student. Clearly there is a difference in expectations, by which there is clearly difference in programme difficulty, which is clearly seen by employers. :P

Reply 6

OP

2late

Compare that and the traditional AAA at A level coupled with 6+ A* at GCSE for an internal student. Clearly there is a difference in expectations, by which there is clearly difference in programme difficulty, which is clearly seen by employers. :P

That may be so but I still feel it is worth looking into. I'm currently at Kingston University on a Graphics course as I mentioned in my original post. I feel that studying this degree would give you more options in regards to employment. If I get a First class external degree from LSE, surely it would be more beneficial to me than a degree from Kingston?

Reply 7

Phoenix Wright

8

Well, what another poster here has done is he got a Bachelors from LSE's external degree program, but then was accepted into an MSc program at LSE as well which he'll be doing at the LSE, so that might be a way to go to, eh?

Reply 8

OP

Phoenix Wright

Well, what another poster here has done is he got a Bachelors from LSE's external degree program, but then was accepted into an MSc program at LSE as well which he'll be doing at the LSE, so that might be a way to go to, eh?

I think you might be right, Pheonix (Excuse the pun! :wink:

)

I'll just have to wait and see. One thing that concerns me a bit is my age. I will be 21 in July. If I start this external programme this year, I'll graduate when I'm 24. If I decide to MSc, I'll be 25. Would that mean I would be no longer eligible for a junior position or would that not matter?

Reply 9

Phoenix Wright

8

I think junior position refers to your qualifications, not your age. But don't quote me since I'm not up-to-date on UK terminology.

Reply 10

shady lane

I think an Open University degree would be better, it is more respected than the London External program. Or try Birkbeck--all their courses are part-time.

Reply 11

OP

I looked at Birkbeck but their degrees seem to last four years as opposed to three. I realise it's part-time but are none of their academic programmes available on a full-time basis? And is an OU degree really better than an external LSE one? If so, why?

Reply 12

2late

13

I'd agree with Phoenix with regard to the MSc @ LSE after the external programme. :smile:

Reply 13

OP

2late

I'd agree with Phoenix with regard to the MSc @ LSE after the external programme. :smile:

A Masters would be nice. But perhaps it would be a better idea to find work after gaining my Bachelors degree instead. I could always do a Masters at a later date.

Reply 14

shady lane

akmd

I looked at Birkbeck but their degrees seem to last four years as opposed to three. I realise it's part-time but are none of their academic programmes available on a full-time basis? And is an OU degree really better than an external LSE one? If so, why?

Birkbeck only does part-time courses, it was established as a college that would be open to people who need to work while studying.

Reply 15

bryan

10

shady lane

I think an Open University degree would be better, it is more respected than the London External program. Or try Birkbeck--all their courses are part-time.

I think Birkeck and LSE External are more respected than Open University.

Reply 16

OP

shady lane

Birkbeck only does part-time courses, it was established as a college that would be open to people who need to work while studying.

That may be a good choice then. I can try to find work and study at the same time. But I am still keen on this External programme with LSE. I went to see where the campus was yesterday as I was in the area and it looked fantastic. It's only 6 minutes away from Holborn tube and it is possible for me to get there in less than half an hour from where I live. I may be studying externally but I would use their library on a regular basis.

Any other comments and suggestions?

Reply 17

OP

After much consideration, I'm going to apply for Business at LSE as an External Degree student. Might as well see what happens. Thank you for all your help.

Reply 18

Ch3

hey if it helps... i know that LSE does accept students on their external degree program to transfer into their second year at LSE (and complete their degree at LSE Internally in the process) but from what I've heard, you'll have to do phenomenally well for that to even be possible.

Reply 19

OP